The Philippines, once known for its low levels of antisemitic sentiment, has seen a dramatic rise from three percent in 2014 to 42 percent in 2024, according to the latest ADL Global 100 survey.
Israeli envoy highlights rising antisemitism on Holocaust Remembrance Day
At a glance
Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss underscored the significance of remembering the atrocities of the past to prevent their recurrence as he raised concerns about the alarming rise of antisemitism worldwide following the October 7 attack of Hamas on Israel.
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Fluss said this as he graced the observation of the International Holocaust Remembrance Day (IHRD) at the National Museum in Manila on Friday, Jan. 31.
In his speech, Fluss said that antisemitic incidents have surged dramatically since the October 7 attacks.
He cited specific figures: a 360-percent increase in the US, 733 percent in Canada, 433 percent in Australia, over 400 percent in Europe, and 442 percent in the UK.
The Philippines, once known for its low levels of antisemitic sentiment, has seen a dramatic rise from three percent in 2014 to 42 percent in 2024, according to the latest ADL Global 100 survey.
“These figures are alarming, and we cannot simply watch as this hateful ideology spreads,” Fluss said, urging action through education and awareness campaigns.
He commended the Department of Education (DepEd) and DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara for their commitment to Holocaust education in Philippine schools. The DepEd is an event partner.
"Holocaust remembrance is not just about looking back: it is a commitment to confronting hatred, denial, and distortion," Fluss said.
"The fight against antisemitism continues today, and we must be unwavering in our resolve to fight it. Including through education," he added.
Honoring their memory
In his speech, Fluss honored the memory of the 6 million Jewish men, women, and children systematically murdered during the Holocaust. He described the genocide as a unique and deliberate attempt by the Nazis to erase the Jewish people from existence.
“The Nazis came horrifyingly close to succeeding: one-third of the Jewish population was annihilated. Our nation never recovered and we are not close to the number ever since,” he said, even recounting a historical anecdote about the intellectual loss suffered due to the Holocaust.
The ambassador also reflected on the historical ties between the Philippines and the Jewish community, recalling how the late president Manuel Quezon offered refuge to 1,300 Jews fleeing Nazi persecution in 1938-1939.
“This act of humanity not only saved lives but also preserved the future of entire families,” Fluss said.